(All this
information comes from things I have researched or been told by other
"experts")
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Weave:
This is the
most important factor when choosing among satin sheets.
NEVER buy "knit"
materials. They might be made of a shiny thread, but the
surface will be rough. Almost 100% of the "satin
sheet sets" you see in department stores are made of knit
acetate. When you get them home and put them on the bed,
you'll see the knit surface is not sexy at all. Knit fabrics may be
OK for satin bedspreads or satin comforters where looks are
what matters, but never for a
sleeping surface.
What you are looking for is "woven"
fabric. It's worth the (significantly) extra
money. But this is the only way to get smooth, high thread
counts. There are other manufacturing methods as well,
but almost all leave you with a less-smooth surface than a
woven material. |
Fabric: (the
following information comes from
Fabriclink.com)
There really is no "best" kind
of satin for sheets. All the following materials can be used to make high quality,
smooth satin sheets. Different companies make all sorts of
claims about which is best. Read the characteristics
below to decide for yourself.
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Acetate:
Made from wood fibers, so those with skin allergies
may have less problems. Closest to silk, including
silk's weaknesses. Woven acetate should only be
dry-cleaned, no matter what the store says. It
falls apart after about 10 or 15 washings. Dry
cleaning sheets is just too expensive - I can't
recommend acetate sheets to anyone. Note: Some knit
versions can be machine washed - but you DON'T want
knit satin! |
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Nylon:
Petroleum based, but stands up well to vegetable oil. Very
strong fabric, machine-washable. Typically thickest of
the fabrics. Very susceptible to
breakdown in sunlight, can have pilling problems after
washing. Be careful, some companies say
their sheets are nylon, and they are really acetate. |
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Polyester:
The first fabric really used for satin sheets, and the
best in my opinion.
Petroleum based, it is strong and machine washable. If you wear a
slip under your dress, it is likely made of woven
polyester. This is my personal favorite because
is so easy to care for (although hand-washing does
make it last longer). |
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Silk:
A natural fiber, known for eons for its exceptionally
fine thread and ability to be used to create satiny
fabrics. It is not as shiny as the man-made
materials, so it usually has a duller finish.
Silk sheets typically require hand-washing or
dry-cleaning and can tear easily. They also
cannot stand too much sunlight. Silk is also
extremely expensive.
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Suggested
online Satin Sheets Stores
back
to the satin sheets guide
copyright
satin ann 2003 - 2004 |
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